Main St. Van Buren ME. ST

Main St. Van Buren ME. ST

Image of early automobiles and two-story buildings along the dirt street in the commercial district of a town. Among the mix of modest 19th century frame structures and some newer commercial buildings is an imposing brick building with large windows and a marquee detailed with small light bulbs, probably a theater. Van Buren, Maine, located on the St. John River across the border from New Brunswick, Canada, had been incorporated in 1881, only a few decades before the Eastern Illustrated photographer took this picture. Its location as one of the few northern-most towns in Maine's huge, unsettled north made it something of an outpost, but apparently equipped for modern life with telephones and electricity, as well as a theater, bowling alley and a hair salon. From his vantage point in the street the Eastern photographer captures the town on a busy summer day. A convertible coupe speeds down the dirt street in a blur, passing a man with his horse-driven wagon. Angle parked cars crowd the curbs and storefronts. A forest of telephone poles and lines further screen the view. Men- perhaps shop owners - stand leaning into the doorways of their stores, aware of the photographer. Some of the businesses are identified by their signs and brand ads: Richard Pharmacy/Drugs, Cyr Lunch ("Fresh corn on the cob"), Electrical Supplies, Chesterfield and Camel Cigarettes ("I'd walk a mile for a Camel"), A.B. Dailxxx Room and Board, Winnie's Beauty Shoppe, Shoe Shimming Parlor, Bowling, Restaurants.